The research programme on nematodes is scaling down as Prof. A Malan has retired. The development of several potential biological control agents has progressed the commercialization of locally produced EPNs. Applied research on the mass production of EPN’s is ongoing.
Both plant parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes are being researched. The research on the integration of entomopathogenic fungi is ongoing. The completed research on entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi on fruit weevils and the current work on polyphagous shot-hole borer is an example of this.
Expertise: Integrated Pest Management Group | Soil Health Workgroup
Research team
- Dr Minette Karsten
- Dr Nomakholwe Stokwe
- Dr Rinus Knoetze
- Mr Sonwabo Booi
- Ms Gaylen Carelse
- Ms Caro Kapp
- Mr Louis Fourie – MSc student
- Mr Andriko Fourie– MSc student
- Ms Erin Bond – MSc student
Projects list
- Elucidating the mechanisms of nematode suppression by organic soil amendments for management of nematodes and woolly apple aphid in apple orchards (N Stokwe and E Bond) - see IPM
- A survey to determine the occurrence, diversity and pathogenicity of Pratylenchus species in South African stone fruit orchards (R Knoetze) - see IPM
- Dorylaimid nematodes as a vector for stony pit virus in pear nurseries and orchards in South Africa (C Kapp)
- The potential of organic soil amendments for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes and woolly apple aphid in apple orchards (N Stokwe and A Fourie) - see IPM
- Ring nematode (Criconemoides xenoplax) resistance of South African-bred rootstock selections in potted plant trials and high-pH soils (S Booi)
- Evaluating the ability of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for their ability to control populations of the obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni) on apple foliage in field conditions (G Carelse) - see IPM
- Investigating the use of marigolds (Tagetes spp.) and brassicaceous cover crops as a tool for the management of lesion nematodes in apple orchards. Phase I - Pot trials (R Knoetze and L Fourie) - see IPM
- No new publications
- Hortgro Technical Symposium 3 June 2024